What is required for a minor to receive proceeds from a death benefit in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, if a minor is to receive proceeds from a death benefit, the appointment of a guardian is typically required. Minors do not have the legal capacity to manage financial assets or make contracts, which includes receiving significant funds such as death benefits. Therefore, a guardian must be appointed to manage these proceeds on behalf of the minor. This ensures that the funds are properly handled and used for the minor's best interests until they reach the age of majority or another specified condition is met.

The requirement for a guardian is rooted in the need to protect the rights and welfare of minors, who may not fully understand the implications of receiving such benefits. Additionally, a guardian who has been appointed by the court will have a legal responsibility to act in the best interests of the minor, managing the funds prudently.

Other options, such as the minor being 18 years old, court approval, or benefit limits, do not directly address the legal framework regarding minors and death benefits. While court approval may be relevant in some cases, it is specifically the appointment of a guardian that is a standard requirement for managing the minor's interests in the context of death benefits in Pennsylvania.